On a clear Sunday afternoon in the mid-1990’s our family went to eat lunch after morning services.  As we were getting our children out of their car seats and into the restaurant, Logan, then three, asked, “Since we celebrate mommy’s on Mother’s Day and daddy’s on Father’s Day, when do we celebrate ‘Son Day’?”  My response; “Every day…is son’s day.”

But if the truth be know, every day we should be recognizing the Son of God and celebrate Him.  This past month we took some time to honor our mothers, and this Sunday we’ll take a minute and consider our dads.  Father’s Day and Mother’s Day were designed by our country to honor our parents (Ephesians 6:1, 2).  But men we must remember our responsibility as dads.  Join us as we consider the idea that God has chosen us to be fathers.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”  I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, June 16, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Restore My Soul” – no book

As we sing this song to God we’re asking Him to restore us, revive us and renew us.  The text for this hymn is Psalm 80, “O God, restore us and cause Your face to shine upon us…”   Surely we have all felt weary, empty and ‘cold’ in our zeal for God.  But this morning as we sing, we’ll be calling on Him to renew our love for Him, rebuild our faith in Him and restore our soul.

“Night with Ebon Pinion” – no book

This is an old spiritual song that dates back to the mid-1800’s, with some very strong Biblical applications.  The poetry from this song has caused many to abandon it, but in so doing we lose a beautiful message about the last hours of Christ’s life on earth.  Terms like “ebon pinion” and “brooded o’re the vale’ have perplexed many Christians into leaving this hymn behind, but consider what we’re singing.  Ebon means ‘black in color’ while pinions are the wings/feathers of a bird.  To ‘brood’ is to hover or sit upon, and the ‘vale’ is the valley.  Now pull them all together with this translation; The dark night had settled and was hovering over the valley like the wings of bird…  We have an obligation to take the time to understand what we’re singing.  Maybe that’s why some of our older hymns have been tossed out; we would rather not think about the words.

“God is So Good” – 83

A simple song with a complex message.  God is good, He answers prayer and He cares for me.  Would that be the reason we sing the final verse, “I love Him so…” or is our faithfulness unconditional?  He died for us when we were undeserving.  Do you love Him because He’s good and answers your prayers?  Simple, but complex…

“Walk with Me” – 394

Less than 50 years old, we sing this hymn asking for God’s guidance and presence in our daily lives.  The refrain is a personal plea that I will follow in His footsteps from Galilee to Gethsemane.  Fathers, remember our responsibility to lead our families; we’ll do it best when we walk with Jesus.

“Faith of Our Fathers” – 754

Fredrick Faber captured the message here of a godly heritage.  When our father’s are faithful and pass that faith down to their children, we are blessed.  But fathers, have you ever been confined to the dungeon, or faced the fire and sword?  Who of us have been chained in prisons dark?  Hebrews 11:32-38 gives us the remembrance of these faithful (fore)fathers as we look at verses 1 & 2, “Now faith, is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  For by it the men of old gained approval.”  “Faith of our fathers!  Holy faith!  We will be true to Thee (God) till death!”

“Step by Step” – 15

Before our lesson we’ll medley Faith of Our Fathers with Step by Step.  Song leaders, since the key signatures are the same and the message is sequential,  the flow of these two songs make a beautiful combination.  The tradition followed by the contemporary makes for a powerful reminder that our faith in God will seek Him in the daily.  Each step toward God shows our families, and this lost world, that we are devoted to walking in His ways.

“I Am Coming, Lord” – 923

“I hear Thy welcome voice that calls me, Lord, to Thee…”  As our invitation song we open the door, so to speak, for those who are lost or struggling in their faith to come back to God.  An invitation song isn’t the only time we seek the lost, but it’s a great opportunity.  In our hymnals, Faith & Praise, only the first verse is provided.  But this Sunday morning we’ll revisit Louis Hartsough’s original writing; ” ‘Tis (It is) Jesus (who) calls me on to perfect faith and love, to perfect hope and peace and trust, for earth and heav’n above…”  To those who are hurting, sad and lost in sin, there is peace in the blood that flowed from Calvary.

“To Christ Be True” – 736

What better way to end the service this morning than to reconfirm our faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We’ll join our voices and sing to encourage each other to be true to Christ.  Why, ‘…for He will go with you, and help you’  through all your conflicts.  But more importantly, because we have been chosen to lead our children to Him.